Statistics

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Nichols College saw its 21-point, 2nd-half cushion whittled down to just three before securing a 90-85 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) men's basketball decision against the University of New England on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 11) at the Harold Alfond Forum.

The Bison (10-4, 5-0 CCC) built the halftime advantage from 43-33 to 61-40 over the first seven minutes of the final period, and still maintained a 19-point lead (64-45) with under 11 to go. However, the Nor'easters (7-7, 2-4 CCC) fought back with a 26-10 run to get within 74-71 at the 3:47 mark.

The difference swelled to eight a few times in the ensuing minutes, but a three-pointer by Alex Kravchuk with 22 seconds left kept UNE in it (87-82). After a couple free throws on the other end, Kravchuk struck again from deep to draw the Nor'easters even closer (89-85) with 13 ticks remaining. Nichols missed a pair of freebies to leave the door open for more, but the hosts could not capitalize.

DeAnte Bruton led all players with 28 points for the Bison, and also dished out seven assists. Jaekwon Spencer notched 10 of his 14 points following the break, and finished with eight rebounds along with three blocks. Nate Tenaglia registered 13 points in support, and Tyren Clark tossed in all of his 11 points in the 1st period. Jason O'Regan added 10 points and eight caroms.

Nichols out-scored UNE by seven at the line in the match, going 22-for-34.

Siddiq Canty guided the Nor'easters with 22 points and six boards, while Kravchuk dialed up 21 points (18 in the 2nd). Avery DeBrito filled the stat sheet with 11 points, a career-high 12 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. Jackson McCoy also recorded 11 points.

Things shifted back-and-forth early on, until 17 unanswered in five minutes vaulted the Bison in front for good at 29-14. Six from Canty sparked a 9-2 burst that got UNE back within 39-30 nearing the intermission.

The Nor'easters visit Colby-Sawyer College on Wednesday in their final non-league date of the season.